them. They played with them for a time, and then joined us with
countenances full of health and glee. Sophia, the eldest, was the most
lively and joyous, having much of her father's varied spirit in
conversation, and seeming to catch excitement from his words and looks.
Ann was of quieter mood, rather silent, owing, in some measure, no
doubt, to her being some years younger.

* * * * *

At dinner Scott had laid by his half-rustic dress, and appeared clad in
black. The girls, too, in completing their toilet, had twisted in their
hair the sprigs of purple heather which they had gathered on the
hillside, and looked all fresh and blooming from their breezy walk.

There was no guest at dinner but myself. Around the table were two or
three dogs in attendance. Maida, the old stag-hound, took his seat at
Scott's elbow, looking up wistfully in his master's eye, while Finette,
the pet spaniel, placed herself near Mrs. Scott, by whom, I soon
perceived, she was completely spoiled.

The conversation happening to turn on the merits of his dogs, Scott
spoke with great feeling and affection of his favorite, Camp, who is
depicted by his side in the earlier engravings of him. He talked of him
as of a real friend whom he had lost, and Sophia Scott, looking up
archly in his face, observed that Papa shed a few tears when poor Camp
died. I may here mention another testimonial of Scott's fondness for
his dogs, and his humorous mode of showing it, which I subsequently met
with. Rambling with him one morning about the grounds adjacent to the
house, I observed a small antique monument, on which was inscribed, in
Gothic characters--